Since its formation in 2007 Matrix has had the good fortune to have been chaired by a series of influential and committed people and the last several years have been no different. Unfortunately, our current chair Rob Grundy, has reached the end of his tenure and will be leaving the panel in the coming days.
As we say goodbye to Rob, we reflect on a tenure marked by numerous far-reaching achievements and unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration between science and industry academia and government. His dedication to fostering innovation and cross-disciplinary partnerships has left an indelible mark on the panel and the Department for the Economy.
Under his stewardship, Matrix continued its valuable work throughout Covid, providing key industrial feedback across a variety of sectors and produced a swathe of high-quality futures focused research which has provided the evidence base for policy development for sectors across the entirety of the Northern Ireland economy.
One of Rob’s standout achievements was spearheading the implementation of HIRANI, which empowered numerous research projects at the intersection of science and industry in the life and health sciences sector. This initiative catalysed breakthroughs in collaboration and promoting Northern Ireland as a key player in an important economic sector, as well as solidifying Matrix’s position as a hub of transformative ideas.
Rob Grundy representing Matrix at the 2023 UK Space Conference
Furthermore, Rob played a pivotal role in chairing the 2022 Matrix Hydrogen supply and demand report that has gone on to directly influence Departmental energy policy. His advocacy for hydrogen as a driving force for both environmental and economic potential for Northern Ireland has positioned Matrix as a driving force in shaping a more sustainable future.
Rob’s history for tireless efforts in promoting the role of Science and Innovation in Northern Ireland was further solidified in his role in representing Northern Ireland across the Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA) network. And in the absence of a dedicated CSA for the region, Rob ensured Northern Ireland had not only a voice but a true advocate for our abilities at an incredibly important arena for scientific collaboration.
As we express our gratitude for Rob Grundy’s invaluable contributions, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Matrix, under his guidance, has become a beacon of collaboration and innovation, a testament to his visionary leadership.
The panel, its secretariat and the wider Department extend our best wishes for his future endeavours, confident that the impact of his tenure at Matrix will continue to resonate and inspire the next generation of leaders in science and industry.
